Two prestige events which had been under threat of not taking place this year, as a result of necessary financial savings that South Ayrshire Council is being forced to make, are now set to go ahead.

Ayr Bowling Week, first established 72 years ago, and Ayr’s Holy Fair, considered a vital event for fundraising by local charitable organisations, are to be given the “go-ahead” following a meeting of the Council’s Administration.

Councillor Andy Hill, Leader of South Ayrshire Council explained: “As is well known, the Council has had to take extreme prudent action to maintain the Council’s expenditure for the coming year within an extremely tight budget.

“Budget savings of £150,000 were agreed by the Council in relation to events and activities.

“Considerable concern has been expressed by a range of people, including elected members of the Council, participants of the events and members of the public over the proposal not to hold Ayr Bowling Week and the Holy Fair.

“At the first opportunity available to it, a meeting of the Administration has revisited the question of holding these events, and I am pleased to say that a decision has now been taken to ensure that these events do, in fact, go ahead once again this year.

“This will allow time for discussions to take place with appropriate interested parties to look at options for safeguarding the events in future years.

“While savings undoubtedly still need to be made, I have asked the Head of Finance and ICT to find alternative ways of ensuring that appropriate funding is in place to allow these important events to remain this year on our calendar of events and activities that are enjoyed by so many people.”

Councillor Hill continued: “South Ayrshire is renowned for numerous sports activities – with bowls being one of the most important. The Council is proud of the Northfield Complex, into which considerable investment has been made, and we would want to ensure that the enthusiasm and goodwill which exists with bowlers continues.”

The Holy Fair is planned to take place at Rozelle, Ayr, on June 18, while Ayr Bowling Week, catering for around 1400 bowlers, is scheduled to take place from August 1 to 6.

April 2005